<p>erm, so I'm considering retaking my SAT II's because I didn't like my scores. </p>
<p>I'm applying to the typical HYP, MIT, Columbia, Brown etc. and I know that my scores are certainly "good enough," but I would rather optimize my chances if possible. I've already taken them twice, and I don't want to seem like an obsessed freak or get a high score only to have it devalued by the number of times I've taken the test.</p>
<p>Context:</p>
<p>May 2010: USH 800, Math II 720, Lit 690
November 2010: Math II 780, Bio M 740, Lit 720</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure I can raise my Bio score (studied for a day, only took Honors Bio in freshman year so not a lot of recent knowledge) and I think a third try might even get me an 800 on math.</p>
<p>Is it worth it? Will it increase my chances? Thoughts or advice?</p>
<p>I don’t think it is worth it. Right now your scores are:</p>
<p>800 USH
780 Math II
(740 Bio M)</p>
<p>If you retake Math II a third time the colleges that don’t honor score choice (i.e. columbia, etc.) will think you’re obsessed. A 20pt boost isn’t going to have any impact, and your Bio score is pretty good as well.</p>
<p>By the way, I am in a similar situation, contemplating retaking 760 Chemistry.</p>
<p>Yeah, I wouldn’t do it. Most of those colleges get your score range and see what your capability is. Usually if it is 700+, they know you have the capability. I think the rest really depends on your essay(s), Letters of Recs, and ECs.</p>
<p>If you are ABSOLUTELY sure you could raise your score and wouldn’t mind taking the test again, you should do it. But know that some tests are just not suited for some people – for instance, I would NEVER take the Math II test again, as tempting as it is to raise my 790 to an 800. Even though the curve is very forgiving, I felt like I had barely enough time to complete the test and was rushing towards the end. So it ultimately depends on 1) whether you are certain you can improve your score, and 2) whether you’re willing to take those tests again.</p>